Did you join a dating app ready to meet people but ended up uninstalling the app before getting a date?

Me too. Several times, actually.

Trying new apps can be scary, especially when your heart is on the line, but know that you're not alone.

In fact, 366 million people used dating apps in 2022, and around 25% of them are looking for a long-term relationship.

A young woman using a dating app, swiping up on her phone.

#1 There's an app for everything

Turns out that my first bad experiences in online dating happened because of my app choice.

There are are dating apps based on relationship types, personality traits, physical features, hobbies, and religion.

You can start with one that looks appealing and go from there, or do some research to find the most popular app for the type of people you'd like to meet.

Mario saying

Tinder icon Tinder

  • LGTBQ+ friendly

  • Most popular worldwide

  • Famous for casual dating

  • Free with 3 membership options

  • Lots of fake profiles and bots

Hinge icon Hinge

  • LGTBQ+ friendly

  • Most users are age 20-26

  • Made for serious relationships

  • Freemium service with paid options

  • Genuine profiles

Bumble icon Bumble

  • LGTBQ+ friendly

  • Empowers women to make the first move

  • Anti-ghosting systems

  • Free with 2 membership options

  • Genuine profiles

Match icon Match

  • LGTBQ+ friendly

  • Popular for people over 30

  • Aimed at serious relationships

  • Requires a membership

  • Organizes in-person events

Quiz

Mary wants to find someone special for a relationship. She prefers free apps and wants to avoid bad experiences. Which dating apps would be best for Mary? Select all that apply:

#2 The key is in the profile

Most people will swipe right or "like" your profile based on what they see, not what they read.

So, to have good results in online dating, you need a great profile, starting with your photos.

Ask a friend to take some pictures or dive into your social media in search of your best angles.

A cartoon of a dinosaur covering under a black fabric to take a picture with an old camera.

When you’re done, it's time to write a bio and answer prompts!

  • Think about what you want and who you are.

  • Use wit and humor to start better conversations.

  • Before swiping, complete all of your information and set preferences. This will help you get compatible matches.

#3 Money, money, money

To Cruise yelling

Most dating apps will offer paid subscriptions or extra features.

You might be thinking, "Do I really have to pay?" That depends on:

  • your interests

  • which dating app you choose

  • your budget

Flaticon Icon

A great option, especially when you’re starting, is to try freemium dating apps like Hinge, Facebook Dating, or Boo. They offer premium features for free.

They will let you see who liked you, give you experience on how dating apps work, and offer a chance to meet new people without spending a penny!

#4 Stay safe

You can never be too careful when using dating apps.

  • Leave any conversation that makes you uncomfortable.

  • Stay alert in case you run into fake profiles or possible scams.

  • Trust your instincts when something feels off.

  • Unmatch or report suspicious profiles.

  • Avoid sharing personal information.

  • Exchange numbers before meeting in person.

Woman shaking her head saying

#5 Go at your own pace

Finding the right person can take time, so don't lose hope if you don't match with your true soulmate immediately. It’s okay to take breaks or go slowly.

Improve your profile as you go to meet the type of people that interest you and patiently reply to all the "Hey, how are you?" messages you get, especially at the beginning.

Before meeting in person, use the voice or video call features that most apps have! It's a good way to ease the pressure and see if you get along well enough.

In the end, what matters is that you’re comfortable and have a good time.

A couple dancing in a laundry.

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